Sustainability reporting is no longer sitting quietly at the edge of accounting and audit practice. Across Europe and Türkiye, it is becoming part of the everyday language of business, compliance and professional judgement. Companies are increasingly expected to explain not only their financial performance, but also how they manage environmental risks, social responsibilities and governance practices.
In the EU, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) are raising expectations for clearer, more comparable and more detailed sustainability information. The first companies began reporting under these rules for the 2024 financial year, with reports published in 2025. In Türkiye, Turkish Sustainability Reporting Standards TSRS 1 and TSRS 2, based on IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, apply for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024.
For accountants and auditors, this marks an important professional shift. Sustainability information now needs to be structured, evidence-based and assurance-ready. It also needs to be understandable for SMEs, many of whom may be indirectly affected through supply chains, finance applications, procurement requirements or client expectations.
ESG-AI responds to this changing landscape by supporting accountants, auditors, SMEs and VET providers with practical learning resources, digital tools and AI-supported training. The project will help target groups build confidence in ESG reporting, understand evolving compliance requirements and develop the skills needed to turn sustainability information into better business decisions.
Follow us:
Funded by theEuropeanUnion. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of theEuropeanUnion or the Finnish National Agency for Education. Neither theEuropeanUnion nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
